ICAG slumps on brokerage downgrade
DS Smith falls after reporting profit drop
FTSE 100 down 0.3, FTSE 250 off 0.8

Dec 7 Reuters The UK39;s FTSE 100 fell in broadbased declines on Thursday as weak Chinese data took the wind out of Chinaexposed financials, while a firmer pound also posed a downside to the exporterheavy index.

The bluechip FTSE 100 fell 0.3, while the more domesticallyfocussed FTSE 250 midcap index lost 0.8.

Customs data from China showed exports grew 0.5 yearonyear in November. Imports fell 0.6, dashing forecasts for a 3.3 increase and swinging from a 3 jump last month.

Asiafocussed lender HSBC lost 0.7, while insurer Prudential fell 1.4.

Luxury retailer Burberry dipped 1.8 as Deutsche Bank reduced its price target on the stock, which dragged the personal goods sector down 1.7.

Chinasensitive stocks like Burberry and Prudential are also trading near the bottom of the UK blue chip index after key China trade data pointed to weak domestic demand from the world39;s second largest economy, said Victoria Scholar, head of investment at interactive investor.

In contrast, defensive sectors such as utilities and beverages gained 0.6 and 0.1, respectively.

The pound was marginally higher against the dollar after falling in the last three sessions. British government bond yields were also elevated, in line with their global counterparts.

Meanwhile, mortgage lender Halifax said British house prices rose 0.5 in November, their second monthly rise in a row….